While your indoor plants might be fine in their current pot for a while, there comes a time when they need a little more room to thrive. Over time, their roots end up taking up all the available space, which can hinder their growth and health. At Botanix, we'll explain when and how to repot your precious greenery so they stay beautiful and vigorous!
The Right Time to Repot: Signs You Shouldn't Miss!
Repotting isn't a task to do blindly. Here are the key times and signs that indicate it's time to give your plant a new home:
- The Ideal Timing: The best time to repot your indoor plants is at the beginning of their annual growing season. Think of the start of spring, as soon as you see new shoots appearing, and this goes until the end of October, before the plant enters its dormant period for the winter. It's kind of like giving your plant a boost just before it starts to grow!
- Roots Growing Out: If you see roots starting to grow out of the drainage holes of the pot, it's a clear sign that your plant is cramped. It's kind of like it's telling you, "Hey, I don't have enough room here!"
- The Pot Tipping Over: A plant with overly developed roots can become heavier at the top, which can make the pot tip over easily. We don't want your beautiful plant ending up on the floor!
- Frequent Watering: If you have to water your plant two or three times more often than usual, it might be because the roots are taking up so much space that there's less soil to retain moisture.
- A Compact Root Ball: When you take the plant out of its pot (if you're not sure), if the roots form a dense and tangled mass that takes up the entire shape of the pot, it's time to repot. We call this a "root-bound" plant!
- For Young Plants: Young plants grow quickly and need to be repotted every year in the spring to give them the space they need to develop.
Warning Signs: When Your Plant Needs Help!
- Slowed Growth: If your plant is no longer producing new leaves or its growth has slowed down, even during the growing season, a lack of space for the roots could be the cause.
- Yellow or Brown Leaves: Yellowing or browning leaves can be a sign of stress due to a lack of nutrients, which can be caused by an overly cramped root system.
- Dry Soil Pulling Away: If the potting mix dries out quickly and pulls away from the sides of the pot, leaving an empty space, it's often a sign that the roots have absorbed all the available moisture and there isn't much soil left.
Important Note! If the potting mix comes away easily and you only see a few roots around the root ball, repotting probably isn't necessary. Your plant might just need a little love and a good watering!
The Time to Avoid: The Dormant Period
It's crucial to avoid repotting your plants during their dormant period, which is generally from October to January for most species. During this time, the plant is resting, and repotting could cause unnecessary stress.
The Method for Successful Repotting: Step by Step
Here's the proven method at Botanix for repotting your indoor plants like a pro:
What You'll Need:
- A protected work surface with an old tablecloth or a plastic sheet. This avoids making a mess!
- Good quality fresh potting mix for indoor plants, or a specific mix depending on your plant's needs (cacti, orchids, etc.). At Botanix, we have a great selection with mycorrhizae to promote root growth.
- Clean pots with drainage holes at the bottom. Choose a pot that is 2 to 5 cm (about 1 to 2 inches) larger in diameter than the current pot. No need for a huge jump!
- Clean pruning shears to trim any dead or tangled roots.
Important Note: If your plant is sick, treat it before repotting. Repotting could be too much of a shock for an already weakened plant.
The Steps to Follow:
- Prepare the Way: Water your plant a few hours before repotting. Slightly damp soil will be easier to handle.
- Gently Remove from the Pot: Hold the base of the stems with one hand and, with the other hand, give the bottom of the pot a sharp tap. You can also roll the pot on its side, gently squeezing it. If the plant resists, slide a butter knife along the inside edges of the pot to loosen the root ball.
- Inspect the Roots: Once the plant is out of the pot, gently loosen the root ball with your fingers or using a fork or a wooden stick. If you see roots that have spiraled around the bottom of the root ball, trim off 2 to 4 cm (about 1 inch) with your pruning shears. This will encourage new roots to grow outwards. Also, remove any dead or damaged roots.
- Prepare the New Pot: Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. The height of this layer should be enough so that the top of your plant's root ball will be about 3 cm (about 1 inch) below the rim of the pot. Leave this space so you can water without the water overflowing.
- Centre Your Plant: Place your plant's root ball in the centre of the new pot.
- Fill with Fresh Potting Mix: Add potting mix all around the root ball, making sure to fill any empty spaces.
- Tamp Lightly: Lightly tamp down the potting mix around the base of the plant to ensure good contact between the roots and the new soil. Don't press too hard, as you don't want to compact the soil.
- Water Thoroughly: Water your plant generously after repotting. This will help to remove any air pockets that could dry out the roots and to properly moisten the new potting mix.
- Place Your Plant Back: Return your plant to its usual location, avoiding direct intense sunlight for a few days to allow it to adjust to its new pot.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix: A Crucial Step!
Don't forget that choosing the right potting mix is essential for your plant's health. At Botanix, our experts can advise you on the best potting mix for the specific needs of each type of plant. Don't hesitate to ask us for advice!
By following these simple tips, you'll ensure your indoor plants have a healthy environment conducive to their growth. So, grab your shovels and pots!
